Muskoka’s Award-Winning Water Just Got Even Better
Upgraded Water Meters to Municipal Water Customers
The District of Muskoka is excited to announce a two-year project that involves the upgrading and replacement of water meters for municipal water customers in 2023 and 2024. This initiative aims to offer numerous benefits.
Upgraded Water Meter Installation: Frequently Asked Questions
Overview |
What is this project all about? |
The District of Muskoka is in the midst of a two-year project to upgrade and replace water meters. There is no cost to property owners as part of this project.
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Why are meters being replaced? |
The typical life of a water meter is 15 to 20 years. Like most mechanical devices, they eventually need to be replaced.
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Why is this work essential? |
Water meters are essential for the delivery of water. This program is mandatory for all who receive a Notice from Wamco, the District’s contractor to complete the work. Bylaw 2022-38 requires property owners to provide the District access for maintenance or replacement of water meters.
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Benefits |
The upgraded meters will offer:
- Elimination of manual readings
- Enhanced planning and response capabilities for the District
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Health and Safety |
The District and its contractor, Wamco Municipal Products, will adhere to current Ontario Provincial guidelines for health and safety for the duration of this project. |
Installation and Scheduling |
How will I know if my meter needs replacement? |
Not all meters require replacement. If your meter is scheduled for a replacement, you will receive a notice from the District’s contractor, Wamco Municipal Products. You will be asked to book your appointment. Please wait until you receive a letter in the mail before booking your appointment. Installers are working in certain areas and are not able to deviate from the scheduled routes.
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How do I book an appointment? |
To book your appointment, visit Wamco’s scheduling website at wamco.as.me and click on the District of Muskoka tab. Alternatively, appointments can be booked by contacting a Wamco customer service representative at 1-833-926-2626.
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If my schedule changes, is there a penalty if I have to cancel or reschedule my appointment? |
No. Appointments can be rescheduled by following the link in the confirmation email you received when you booked the original appointment or by contacting a customer service representative at 1-833-926-2626. |
How long will the installation take?
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A meter replacement will take about 30 minutes and a radio-read device installation will take about 10 minutes.
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Will there be an interruption to my water service? |
Yes, your water service will be temporarily interrupted during your appointment. We can give you more information about this when you secure your appointment. |
Who is doing the installation? |
The District has hired Wamco Municipal Products to carry out the installation. Wamco installers can be identified by a Wamco uniform and identification badge. All installers are certified and trained to install water meters. Technicians are bonded and have had a criminal background check. Installers will never request payment from property owners. |
Do I need to be home during the installation? |
Yes. Since the water meter is inside your home, an adult 18 years or older must be present during your appointment. It doesn't need to be the homeowner - it can be another family member, a neighbour, friend, etc. Please ensure all pets are safely secured. |
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Cost |
There is no charge to property owners. The District of Muskoka is responsible for the cost of the new water meters and installation, and under no circumstances will an authorized Wamco installer ask you for money. |
Data Usage and Security |
What is my water usage data being used for? |
The data collected by this system is used for billing purposes. It is also being used to determine consumption usage for both the property owner and the District, for continuous flow and potential leak detection. The data usage may at times be used by multiple Towns and Townships and will combine meter data to measure consumption of entire neighbourhoods, as well as other District projects and initiatives.
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Will my account information and meter data be secure?
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Protecting your data is a top priority. Using the same advanced methods as internet banking and ATM machines, the new water meter reading system uses proprietary protocols, transmitting encrypted meter reads to the District over a wireless network with multiple layers of security incorporated throughout the system. Security measures are tested and reviewed regularly to guard against unauthorized access.
Access to account information is restricted to authorized District staff who need the data to perform important functions, including improved billing and customer service. The transmitter that sends your meter reading has a unique identifier that is transmitted along with the read data. This identifier is compared electronically to your account record to ensure that the meter reading matches the meter assigned to your account.
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Is the radio frequency created by the new technology safe?
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Yes. The new water meters emit less radio frequency energy than many other commonly used wireless devices, like cell phones, baby monitors, satellite TVs and microwaves.
Industry Canada regulates radio communication and broadcasting apparatus and has a set of guidelines for protecting the public. The equipment we are installing complies with Industry Canada’s requirements. The World Health Organization and Health Canada are a few of the many credible authors of research studies showing no adverse effects from these radio frequency waves.
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Additional Information |
Where is my water meter located? |
The water meter is usually found in the basement near the main water shut-off valve. If you are having trouble locating the meter, check your furnace room, utility room or near your hot water tank.
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My water meter is installed behind drywall. What should I do? |
Wamco technicians are trained to cut into drywall neatly and precisely. Once the installation is complete, this hole can be covered using an access panel or a cover box. Wamco will not be responsible for providing and/or installing an access panel or cover box.
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Why did I receive a final notice? |
This is the final attempt to contact you about having this work done on your property. If no appointment is booked within two weeks, your account will be sent to the District of Muskoka for further follow-up. We appreciate your cooperation to get this done quickly, so we can read your meters more efficiently – and ensure you’re aware if you are using more water than normal.
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Who can I talk to about this project? I have questions. |
Email - publicworks@muskoka.on.ca
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Installation of water meter reading devices (MXU)
Currently, The District of Muskoka is conducting the installation of water meter reading devices (MXU) on select properties in Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville.
This will encompass District hired contractors from Wamco Municipal Products entering onto the property to install the new device over the existing external reading device. Contractors do not require entry inside the house.
The new reading devices will allow The District of Muskoka to accurately record water meter readings by simply driving by the property and will eliminate estimated bills and the need for meter readers to access the property in the future.
This MXU unit must remain on the premise. Units that are removed, lost or damaged are replaced at the customer’s expense.
If you have any questions or concerns, email the District of Muskoka Public Works Department at publicworks@muskoka.on.ca
Your cooperation in helping complete this upgrade is greatly appreciated. Full notice here.
